METAPHOR AND MEANING IN CONVERSION DISORDER - A BRIEF ACTIVE THERAPY

The concept of conversion disorder as a change in somatic function tha t symbolically represents an unconscious conflict is currently challen ged in the literature. In this article, the author elaborates on the p sychodynamic concept of conversion and defines its characteristics and mode of diagnosis. The usefulness of this approach is demonstrated in a detailed case presentation of a brief, active psychodynamic psychot herapy of six sessions that led to the rapid disappearance of symptoms . In particular, the metaphoric meanings of the physical symptoms were interpreted and followed by an immediate disappearance of symptoms. T he logic of this therapeutic approach and its implications as a transf erence cure are discussed in detail.